While learning to navigate relationships, do not sacrifice the calling and anointing God has for you in order to fit in or be accepted. Sadly, Samson is an example of this, so we will examine his life here (Judg. 13-16).
1. Culture: As Christians we are called to influence the culture, not to be seduced by it. Like a boat, you can be in the water (culture), but you’ll sink if water enters the boat (you). Romans 12:2 warns against being conformed to this world.
Samson flirted with the Philistines he was called to fight. Avoid potentially sinful situations, because only those who are not changed by the culture can change the culture.
2. Cravings: To hunt wolves, Eskimos layer a knife with dry blood. A natural craving of blood drives the animal to the knife, where it slowly licks the blood but cuts its own tongue in the process, leading to death.
Carnal passions can drive you toward the knife. Samson’s cravings were not under subjection because he had no relationship with God. Curb your cravings by feeding your spirit (Gal. 5:16-26).
3. Community: The barber’s chair portrays ungodly friendships that lure us to sin. The enemy simply cuts, like a barber, your purity, joy and sense of purpose on the “chair” known as friendships.
Samson loved Delilah. Like Samson, love for your friends can lead you to compromise your convictions for them. We should flee from friends who entice us to sin (1 Cor. 15:33). If you don’t break up with them, they will break you down.
Conclusion: We need to learn from Samson’s mistakes and life. God will redeem and restore us of every mistake, but remember, our actions can scar us deeply. We should walk toward freedom and godliness as we remain fully committed to God. {eoa}
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Bill Wiese 
Paul McGuire 
Abby Trivett 
